Chapter 371 -375: Initial Completion of the Spirit-Locking Array (6k+ words)

Huangfu Song knew the answer, and Li Fan and others could only helplessly accept it.

It was just curiosity, not something to dwell on.

They crowded towards the predetermined central area of the Spirit-Locking Array, moving with purpose.

The final division of labor had already been discussed.

Xue Mu was responsible for inspecting the previously constructed array units, Jiang Qigui was in charge of fixing and debugging the array hub, and Li Fan remained in the middle, ready to assist where needed.

Jiang Qigui's proficiency in array formations was reliable, and Xue Mu had been diligent with few mistakes.

With Li Fan acting as the go-between, they progressed two days faster than the original plan, and the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array that covered the Abyss was about to be completed.

To be cautious, they chose the low tide period after the outbreak of the demonic sound wave for the final steps.

After confirmation, everything proceeded without a hitch.

The Tianxuan hub flew out from Huangfu Song's forehead, turning into a constantly flickering red shadow.

Jiang Qigui looked extremely solemn as he guided the hub into the fully prepared core formation.

There was no indifference from the hub, as seen during Li Fan's testing.

The red shadow cooperatively flew into the dense array.

At the moment of returning, the intense blue light completely covered the surrounding red, starting from the central singularity, connecting countless array units of the Spirit-Locking Array.

Translucent through the white mist, a magnificent scene unfolded as it expanded towards the periphery, lighting up the array structure.

Thus, in the vast white mist, a peculiar scene emerged.

Within the white mist sea, green light radiated from the central singularity, progressing outward along the veins of the Spirit-Locking Array.

In an instant, a vast, circular, blue giant net, covering the entire Abyss, appeared.

The devouring elemental white mist and occasional demonic sounds couldn't conceal its majestic and towering figure.

Most of the people present were the creators of the array.

At this moment, watching the creation they had toiled over for years finally come to fruition, they couldn't help but feel emotional.

Li Fan stared at the brightest point in the center of the formation and exclaimed, "Only with Tianxuan can spirits be locked."

"The grand curtain of the popularization of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array is finally about to be unveiled. I wonder how the Wanxian Alliance will evolve in the future."

"Let's observe. If things really go south, we can always reconsider."

"However, I've put in a lot of effort. With both merits and hardships, it's impossible that I won't live to see my natural end with this little remaining lifespan, right?"

While Li Fan was silently contemplating, the Tianxuan hub finally completed its integration with the Spirit-Locking Array.

The magnificent blue net receded like a tide, but at the same time, Li Fan felt a faint connection in his heart.

It was as if there were eyes above everyone's heads, observing him at all times.

Led by Huangfu Song, everyone cheered and celebrated the smooth completion of the array, seemingly unaware.

Only the seemingly honest and introverted Xue Mu subtly looked up.

...

After Huangfu Song's successful acceptance, the array construction work outside the Abyss had come to an end.

On the way back to the Broken Palm Immortal City, Li Fan inquired about Huangfu Song's upcoming plans.

"According to the original plan, I will meet with Director Ji to build the Spirit-Locking Array outside the newly discovered 'Lost Battlefield'."

"But well..."

Huangfu Song paused, his expression solemn, "That area is a bit strange and extremely dangerous."

"After careful assessment, the Alliance has decided to temporarily suspend the construction of the array in the Lost Battlefield and seal it off first."

"Since you have already completed the construction of a Spirit-Locking Array, there won't be any mandatory requirements for your next tasks."

"In other words, if you wish, you can directly go back and rest."

"Of course, if you want to compete for rankings, you can also choose to support the construction of arrays in other regions."

"However, the construction progress and current personnel responsible for each array in various locations can only be seen by the headquarters of the Wanxian Alliance."

"If you want to maximize your efficiency in the rankings, it's best to use some special methods."

Huangfu Song cleared his throat, wearing an expression that said, "You know what I mean."

Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui, upon hearing this, pondered as they thought about what they possessed that could move this senior.

Li Fan, however, had an indifferent expression, "My life is nearing its end, soon I will descend to the Nine Springs and meet with Senior Dantai Tao."

"As for competing for rankings, it doesn't matter to me."

"However, I am curious about the 'Lost Battlefield' that Senior Huangfu just mentioned."

Originally posing with an attitude, Huangfu Song, upon hearing Li Fan mention Dantai Tao again, couldn't help but twitch his face.

Suppressing the urge to explode, he coldly snorted and decided to provide an explanation.

"It's not really a secret. I might as well tell you."

"As the name suggests, that new-born domain is a relic of an ancient great battle."

"Spanning over a thousand and six hundred miles, countless cultivators perished in it."

"Not only has the thick smell of blood not dissipated, but the deceased cultivators also seem to be frozen in that moment before death."

"It's like this brutal battle happened not long ago."

Huangfu Song's eyes narrowed, as if recalling the sights in the Lost Battlefield.

"What's even more bizarre is that we can't distinguish the main forces of the two sides in the battle."

"Those wearing the same sect attire may have killed each other in mutual slaughter. Some may have fought against formidable enemies together and died gloriously."

"There, it's more like a chaotic melee without clear sides, rather than a traditional battlefield."

Hearing Huangfu Song's description, Li Fan couldn't help but think of the **Chaos Stone Domain** he had encountered before.

There too, time seemed to freeze, and the bodies remained vivid.

The culprit there was Tianyi, but who could be responsible for this Lost Battlefield?

While he was pondering, Xue Mu couldn't help but ask, "Senior Huangfu, you mentioned that this Lost Battlefield is extremely dangerous. Does that mean the dead cultivators might come back to attack?"

Huangfu Song denied with a shake of his head, "They are dead and can't die again. A light touch turns them into ashes."

"The real danger comes from the domain itself."

"When Director Ji led a team to enter for the first time, he fell victim to its trickery."

"Shocked by the scene of the brutal ancient war, Director Ji was suddenly surrounded and attacked by several fellow cultivators."

"Surrounded?" Xue Mu couldn't help but exclaim.

"Lost... Could it be?" After a moment, he immediately realized, his face horrified.

Huangfu Song nodded slowly, "That's right, those cultivators were loyal subordinates of Director Ji, absolutely devoted and able to withstand any test."

"But even so, once they entered that domain, they lost their sanity."

"They attacked Director Ji without reservation, treating him as if he were a mortal enemy."

(End of this chapter)

"Chapter 372: Worthy of Merit"

"Where is Director Ji? Did he lose his sanity?" Li Fan keenly sensed the crucial issue and asked.

Huangfu Song glanced at Li Fan and cleared his throat, "Director Ji has profound cultivation and cannot lose his self-will naturally."

"Unfortunately, those accompanying cultivators had varying levels of cultivation, and when they joined forces, Director Ji found it difficult to fend them off temporarily."

"For self-preservation, Director Ji had no choice but to kill them all."

Huangfu Song looked very regretful.

Li Fan and the others were slightly stunned at his words.

Later, as if they had understood something, they didn't dare to think deeply about it.

"It is indeed too dangerous; no wonder it was temporarily sealed off." Li Fan agreed with a nod.

Huangfu Song swept Li Fan with a warning look and transmitted, "Kid, I've told you what you need to know. Don't push your luck."

Li Fan pretended not to hear.

"I will go to other regions tomorrow to supervise the construction of arrays."

"If any of you have needs, you can come find me before that."

After arriving at the Eternal Immortal Fortress, Huangfu Song revealed a smiling face and said to Xue Mu and Jiang Qigui.

As for Li Fan, he didn't even glance at him and left.

Li Fan didn't mind.

After years of hard work, success was achieved in a moment.

The first thing everyone did after returning to the Broken Palm Immortal City was to check their rankings on the leaderboard.

In these five days, the leaderboard experienced earth-shaking changes.

Jiang Qigui's contributions skyrocketed due to overseeing the integration of the Tianxuan Array Core.

Li Fan, relying on his previous advantage, only had a slightly higher total score than him.

However, both of them fell out of the top ten, approaching around the twentieth place.

"Looking at this, there have been quite a few places completing the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array in the past few days. Even unfamiliar faces have appeared in the top rankings."

"I think it's a bit unfair. Building arrays above the Abyss of Roaring might be much more challenging than in ordinary regions. Master Li and the others should have earned more points."

"Is it possible that the points have been adjusted based on difficulty? After all, the Abyss of Roaring, while dangerous, might not be the most perilous place in the Wanxian Alliance."

...

"Li Fan, look, that Guo Yezhong has actually surged to three hundredth place!"

In the discussions, Xue Mu sent a message to Li Fan.

"Hmm, I also noticed. What do you think, friend?" Li Fan asked.

"Everyone's points aren't constant but constantly growing. In this situation, Guo Yezhong is still rising later."

"And this is after many array constructions were completed, triggering this explosive improvement..."

"I think, perhaps this person was involved in the initial design of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array."

Although Xue Mu looked simple, he was not dull.

At this moment, he calmly analyzed, "Director Ji once said that the number of points is determined by the contribution to the array construction."

"As the founder of the array, he naturally has a share in every completed array."

"In this way, it can explain the current situation."

Li Fan recalled the appearance of Guo Yezhong he had seen in the Huan Yu Academy.

"He was just a Foundation Establishment Array Master at that time, maybe?" he smiled and asked.

Hearing this, Xue Mu also felt a bit hesitant.

"Perhaps, he just contributed one of the ideas?" he hesitated to say.

"Don't think too much; let's focus on our own work." Li Fan advised.

Looking at Li Fan, who appeared extremely old, Xue Mu's face became solemn, and he nodded in agreement.

"Participate in the initial design of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array and then enjoy the results."

"Not only can he gain a massive number of points in this competition, but his status will also inevitably rise to a higher level after the complete popularization of the Spirit-Locking Array."

"It's a good method!"

"After parting ways with Xue Mu, Li Fan returned to his room and couldn't help but think."

"If time could reverse thirty years, there would probably be no one in this world who understands the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array better than me."

"How marvelous! It's just that I need to be cautious when revealing it..."

Li Fan pondered.

At night, Li Fan quietly arrived at Huangfu Song's place.

As if expecting Li Fan's visit, a bowl of spirit tea was already prepared on the table, waiting for a long time.

"Qinglong Mustache can extend your life by ten years. It can barely prolong your small life," Huangfu Song mocked.

Li Fan didn't bother with politeness and drank it all in one go.

After a sip, he looked at the real-time panel.

Only the upper limit of his physiological age had increased by one year.

"It's really just barely." Li Fan shook his head, looking genuinely unimpressed.

Huangfu Song chuckled a bit but didn't dwell on it. Instead, he directly asked, "Why are you, a dying person, pushing yourself so hard?"

"Isn't it better to live the rest of your life peacefully?"

"Still thinking about competing on the leaderboard? What are you thinking?" Li Fan no longer portrayed the selfless dedication and high principles seen by outsiders but changed his rhetoric.

"It's precisely because my end is near that I have to fight harder."

"Only then can I seek survival within death and regain a glimmer of hope."

Li Fan declared forcefully.

"Oh? How do you explain that?" Huangfu Song became interested.

"Being trapped in the Devil Sound Tide and the Devouring Elemental White Mist was unexpected. It was beyond my expectations to almost exhaust my lifespan for seeking help."

"I came to this world less than a hundred years ago. Facing imminent death and disappearance, how can I accept that?"

"I naturally want to live."

"But those life-prolonging treasures are too precious for me. I'm afraid I can't obtain a single one even if I use up my remaining life."

"To stay alive, I naturally need to find another way, take a roundabout approach."

"Although there's no absolute certainty, it's definitely worth the gamble."

Li Fan's eyes sparkled, a sharp contrast to his extremely old appearance.

Huangfu Song became even more curious, "Gamble? What are you gambling on?"

Li Fan was solemn, enunciating each word, "I'm betting..."

"The Wanxian Alliance won't let go of someone who has contributed so much!"

"Especially in the construction of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array!"

Huangfu Song stared at Li Fan, evaluating him, and drank the Qinglong Mustache tea in front of him.

Li Fan continued, speaking confidently, "Both you and I know the importance of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array."

"And my desperate efforts to construct the array have become widely known."

"Who's behind it doesn't need much explanation."

"Before all the arrays are constructed, is it better for someone like me, a 'role model of the world,' to die miserably, or is it better for the Wanxian Alliance to intervene and save my life?"

"Compared to motivating array masters worldwide to work diligently, a few life-prolonging treasures should be insignificant."

"So, for now, I'm not afraid of impending death. In fact, I think I have too much remaining lifespan!"

"Huangfu senior, that cup of tea you just gave me almost caused me harm."

"How do you compensate?"

Li Fan finished speaking and calmly watched Huangfu Song.

(End of this chapter)

**Chapter 373: Seemingly False, Yet True**

Upon hearing Li Fan's somewhat rogue-like words, Huangfu Song couldn't help but show appreciation rather than anger, revealing a rather approving expression.

"I heard about your deeds before, and I thought you had been possessed," Huangfu Song said. "Judging by your actions, you seem far from the 'self-sacrificing and selfless' ideals. However, your deeds are genuine, witnessed by all, making me puzzled for a long time."

"Your words today have finally dispelled my doubts," he continued, nodding slightly. "You're a ruthless person."

Li Fan maintained a calm expression. "Senior, you flatter me. I wonder how you plan to compensate?"

Huangfu Song patted his stomach, chuckling. "You just want to know from me where to maximize efficiency in competing on the leaderboard. Why bother with these twists and turns?"

He then pointed in front of Li Fan. In an instant, detailed information on the construction of the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array, covering most of the Wanxian Alliance's territories, along with the names of corresponding array masters, flooded Li Fan's vision. It included their current rankings on the leaderboard and even predictions on their future leaderboard-climbing capabilities.

"This is the top-secret list that was leaked yesterday," Huangfu Song proudly said. "Although a day has passed, the scores will change again, but it's definitely useful as a reference."

"For ordinary people to see this, some cost has to be paid."

Li Fan quickly scanned the contents of the list and frowned after a moment.

Seeing Li Fan's expression, Huangfu Song, somewhat surprised, asked, "What's wrong, Li kid? Aren't you satisfied with this?"

"Huangfu senior, it seems that some places are missing from this list?" Li Fan asked, his gaze sharp.

"Missing? Impossible! I..." Before Huangfu Song could refute, Li Fan interrupted, "What about the Five Elements Great Immortal Realm?"

Huangfu Song was stunned.

But Li Fan continued, speaking rapidly, "As the trigger for the great battle between the Wanxian Alliance and the Five Elders' Heavenly Spirit State and now the main source of countless resources within the alliance, such an important place couldn't possibly lack the Tianxuan Spirit-Locking Array, right?"

"Or what about the Endless Sea? The sought-after cultivation sanctuary for countless cultivators, where one can reach the current peak realm with a single journey across the sea. I didn't see it on the list either."

"Xingshu Yuan, Jieshi Heaven..."

"Although I'm not well-informed, I've heard about these regions."

To conceal his true intentions, Li Fan listed many secretive and crucial locations he had only read about in secret documents, never actually visited. However, bringing them up served his purpose of confusing Huangfu Song.

"You know quite a lot," Huangfu Song remarked, unfazed by being exposed. Muttering to himself, he said, "Just speak your mind. You know the importance of these places. It's impossible to let outsiders easily intervene."

"That's right. Constructing arrays in these places does yield several times more contribution points than in ordinary regions."

"But the relevant arrays in these areas are each under the charge of someone. You, a junior with no connections, no background, wanting to infiltrate and earn points..."

"You're really overthinking it."

Huangfu Song shook his head repeatedly. "Look at the many people on the leaderboard. Who among them can do it? Aren't they stronger than you?"

Facing Huangfu Song's denial, Li Fan didn't lose heart. Instead, he seized on the main point.

"If they have connections and backgrounds, then participating in the construction of arrays in these areas isn't impossible?" Li Fan pondered, asking.

Huangfu Song, confused by Li Fan's peculiar thought process, was about to mock him when he saw Li Fan seriously contemplating. Somehow, he felt a sudden shock in his heart.

"You, could you really have some background?" Huangfu Song questioned suspiciously.

Li Fan didn't directly answer, just smiling faintly. "Let's do what we can. Perhaps, Senior Huangfu will need to mediate in the events that follow."

**Chapter 373: Suspicious Dealings**

These ambiguous words made Huangfu Song even more uncertain.

"If there's an opportunity, I will contact Senior again later. At that time, I hope Senior can assist me," Li Fan politely said.

With that, he was about to leave the room.

Watching Li Fan's departing figure, Huangfu Song's eyes flickered.

After hesitating for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "About Dantai Tao..."

Li Fan didn't stop, and in an instant, he had disappeared from Huangfu Song's sight.

Only faint words lingered, echoing in the air.

"It was just a joke. If Senior is not pleased, I won't mention it again in the future, considering how many times Senior has helped me."

Huangfu Song stared at the direction where Li Fan disappeared, his expression inexplicable.

With a cold snort, he slammed the room door shut.

Li Fan remained composed as he returned to his residence.

Whether the deaths of Dantai Tao and the others were truly related to Huangfu Song, Li Fan didn't know. However, when he casually teased Huangfu Song about Dantai Tao initially, he noticed something odd in Huangfu Song's slightly exaggerated reaction.

He even sensed a hint of hostility directed at him.

Although almost imperceptible, Li Fan, who mastered the "Unseen Killing Intent," was incredibly sensitive to murderous intent. He could basically confirm that, in that instant, Huangfu Song indeed had the thought of killing him.

This made Li Fan curious.

So, in the following interactions, Li Fan continuously brought up the matter of Dantai Tao's death to test Huangfu Song's bottom line.

What surprised him was that every time Li Fan mentioned Dantai Tao, Huangfu Song seemed to become more agreeable.

Even his attitude towards Li Fan was different from other disciples.

Until today, Huangfu Song's question solidified the connection between him and the deaths of Dantai Tao and the others.

The possibility of personally taking action was unlikely; otherwise, he would have been dealt with long ago.

However, revealing information about Dantai Tao and the others was a possibility.

That's why Huangfu Song was sensitive to the three words "Dantai Tao."

Because he couldn't withstand a thorough investigation.

Although now the names of Dantai Tao and others were almost forgotten by most people, Li Fan still periodically brought them up in front of Huangfu Song.

This had indeed made Huangfu Song somewhat uneasy.

Li Fan understood the principle of moderation.

Since Huangfu Song had made things clear today, it would be impossible to play dumb as he did before.

The conveyed message was also clear: As long as you help me one last time, I will never mention this matter again.

Li Fan had gathered enough information from Huangfu Song, and there was no need to rush things.

Making such a statement, Li Fan didn't feel any reluctance.

(End of this chapter)

**Chapter 374: Flames Ablaze Across Miles**

Li Fan and Huangfu Song were vastly different in both strength and status.

Threatening Huangfu Song naturally came with risks.

Firstly, because the signs of a cultivator's death were hard to conceal, making silent murders challenging. Secondly, Li Fan was now a figure in the spotlight as a leader of the world. Even if Huangfu Song wanted to take action, he had to consider the consequences.

Exchanging one for one with a junior like Li Fan was definitely not Huangfu Song's plan or determination.

Compromise was inevitable.

So, this move seemed dangerous but was actually well within Li Fan's plan.

"The Five Elements Grand Cavern..."

Li Fan pondered for a moment, closed his eyes, and began contacting Lu Xuejing, whom he hadn't bothered with since subduing her.

The fisherman's methods were truly mysterious. Even in the thick white mist, Li Fan could communicate with her in his mind, regardless of the distance.

"Master..."

Feeling Li Fan's summons, after a while, Lu Xuejing's timid voice rang out.

Without any pleasantries after a long time of no contact, Li Fan directly inquired about her current situation.

After understanding the general situation, Li Fan thought for a while and asked about information regarding her mother.

Faithful Lu Xuejing truthfully reported, "Mother seems to be very busy recently, constantly touring and inspecting various caverns. They are all places I haven't heard of. Sometimes, she even loses contact for a long time..."

Listening, Li Fan slowly began to calculate.

Before severing the connection, Li Fan praised and comforted the young girl.

Lu Xuejing's performance was extremely excited, her soft voice sounding pleasant.

After explaining the planned matters, amidst Lu Xuejing's reluctant feelings, Li Fan cut off the connection.

"That should be enough. Whether it succeeds or not depends on my luck."

Li Fan thought to himself.

Fortunately, Li Fan's luck was good.

The next day, just as Huangfu Song was about to pilot the "Dust Crossing Boat" to leave the Broken Palm Immortal City, Li Fan received a message from Lu Xuejing.

A gleam flashed in Li Fan's eyes as he swiftly arrived on the Dust Crossing Boat.

"Kid, what do you want to do now?"

Huangfu Song scrutinized Li Fan, looking displeased.

Driving away others, he took Li Fan to a closed cabin.

With a cold gaze fixed on Li Fan, he awaited his next words.

"For the sake of ranking, I plan to make a bold move. Other aspects are already arranged; now, I need Senior's help one more time."

Hearing this, Huangfu Song couldn't help but be astonished. "So soon?"

Narrowing his eyes, he carefully observed Li Fan from head to toe.

Seemingly contemplating, after a moment, he finally said, "Speak, what do you want me to do?"

Li Fan said in a deep voice, "I want Senior to change course and take me to the 'Spirit Transformation Ravine' as quickly as possible."

"Spirit Transformation Ravine?" Huangfu Song was slightly startled. "What are you going there for?"

Li Fan didn't answer directly but continued with his request. "Moreover, we need a legitimate reason. It can't appear abrupt to others."

Huangfu Song sneered, "You have quite a few demands, kid."

Without an outright refusal, Huangfu Song fell into a prolonged silence.

It seemed like he was contacting certain individuals.

Li Fan stood still, patiently waiting.

After about the time it takes for a joss stick to burn, as Huangfu Song nodded slightly, he looked at Li Fan again.

"Luckily for you, I have a friend who is currently overseeing the construction of formations in the 'Spirit Transformation Ravine.' The construction there is nearing completion."

"The next stop for him is very close to my mission location."

"I haven't seen him for a long time, so I made an appointment to go together and catch up," Huangfu Song explained succinctly.

Li Fan was pleasantly surprised and bowed, "Thank you, Senior."

"Don't use these tactics with me." Huangfu Song retracted the smile on his face. "I'm helping you not for any other reason. I'm genuinely curious to see who your backstage supporter is."

Li Fan replied earnestly, "Senior, you're overthinking it. I am a solitary individual with no backstage support."

Seeing that Li Fan was still feigning ignorance, Huangfu Song stopped arguing with him. He just sneered, "I don't know if you have a backstage, but I'm really curious to find out."

"How long will it take to reach the Spirit Transformation Ravine?" Li Fan asked casually, seemingly unbothered.

"Fast, two days; slow, seven days. It depends on whether there are any unforeseen circumstances on the way," Huangfu Song replied impatiently.

"Be patient; I will wait. Since I promised you, I won't deceive you in this matter," Huangfu Song assured as Li Fan nodded and thanked him again.

The sudden change in the Dust Crossing Boat's destination puzzled the cultivators on board. However, with Huangfu Song giving orders, they dared not voice any objections.

The Dust Crossing Boat turned into a red light, piercing through the devouring white mist and swiftly advancing.

After leaving the white mist barrier, it first flew to the nearest Quyang Immortal City. Utilizing the teleportation array there, it arrived at a desolate place covered in scorched earth.

Continuing to fly towards the target, Huangfu Song explained, "This is the 'Thousand-Mile Blazing Shore,' and the Spirit Transformation Ravine is deep within it. The violent fire attribute spiritual power here repels all other energies, even destabilizing the spatial structure. Therefore, it's impossible to build teleportation arrays."

Despite the array barriers, Li Fan could still sense the intense heat outside within the Dust Crossing Boat.

It was a pure power that seemed to burn everything, leaving only a residual dark red force in the world.

The land cracked, and the sky seemed to be burning with roaring flames.

"A millennium ago, this was a good place. Unfortunately, it has turned into this ghostly appearance now," Huangfu Song sighed with deep emotion.

"If it weren't for the unique nature of the Spirit Transformation Ravine, the alliance would probably have abandoned this area."

"What makes the Spirit Transformation Ravine special?" Li Fan asked following Huangfu Song's words.

"You don't know?" Huangfu Song was genuinely surprised this time. "Then why did you rush here in such a hurry?"

Li Fan instantly put on an innocent expression.

Huangfu Song's face twitched continuously.

Fortunately, he managed to hold back his outburst due to his good cultivation.

He resumed the role of a guide, saying, "The Spirit Transformation Ravine itself is nothing special. It just produces a type of green stone."

"This stone naturally has a strong suppression effect on spiritual energy."

"For us cultivators, if we get close without a specific countermeasure, our entire spiritual energy will be silent and unable to mobilize. We would instantly become as weak as ordinary people."

Based on its characteristics, it is called the Spirit Transformation Stone within the alliance."

Hearing this, Li Fan suddenly felt that this stone seemed somewhat familiar.

As if he had seen it somewhere before.

Despite racking his brain, he couldn't recall.

Li Fan realized it might be related to the observations of the inexplicably disappeared clone.

So, he stopped dwelling on it.

After a moment of thought, Li Fan asked again, "I once came across something called the 'Peerless Immortal Stone' from ancient times. It seems to have a similar effect to the Spirit Transformation Stone you mentioned. I wonder if they are the same thing?"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 375: Deep Blue River in the Green Ravine

It seemed that Li Fan's extensive knowledge was taken for granted by Huangfu Song. Huangfu Song didn't find it surprising that Li Fan could ask such a tricky and peculiar question. Instead, he chuckled and asked back, "You're asking me, who should I ask? If you're really curious, why not experience it yourself later?"

Although Huangfu Song mocked him, Li Fan didn't mind. From his limited knowledge, since the Heavenly Mystery Mirror had intricate connections with the Ancient Xuantian Sect's treasure, the Xuantian Treasure Mirror, it was highly likely that the Spirit Transformation Stone and the Peerless Immortal Stone were the same thing.

Huangfu Song's words unintentionally hit the mark; he was right. Li Fan had used the Peerless Immortal Stone in the Fallen Immortal Realm. When he saw the Spirit Transformation Stone later, he would know whether they were the same.

---

The Thousand-Mile Blazing Shore was truly a vast expanse of red ground. After several days of rapid flight on the Dust Crossing Boat, Li Fan only witnessed the unchanging apocalyptic desolation.

There was only enduring heat in the world, with no traces of any other life.

During the journey, occasional explosive molten fire erupted from the underground, like dark red flying dragons stirring up chaotic turbulence in the surrounding space.

Facing such terrifying situations, the Dust Crossing Boat had to detour.

The danger didn't only come from below. Overhead, lethal threats could strike at any moment. Without any pattern, meteoric fire from the sky would suddenly descend, colliding with the ground and unleashing terrifying energy.

Li Fan had once witnessed a massive meteorite fall from a distance. The shockwave, accompanied by the scorching fire, blew the Dust Crossing Boat like a floating leaf in the wind, uncontrollably flipping.

"What kind of place is this..."

In the Thousand-Mile Blazing Shore, every step was perilous. A moment's inattention could lead to death.

Li Fan, witnessing such a treacherous territory for the first time, couldn't help but feel a bit heavy-hearted.

Fortunately, the helmsman, Huangfu Song, was experienced and not here for the first time.

After a total of five days, the group finally arrived at their destination, the Spirit Transformation Ravine, without any major incidents.

Without Huangfu Song notifying him, Li Fan sensed it from a distance.

It was because the Spirit Transformation Ravine was too conspicuous and unique in the Thousand-Mile Blazing Shore.

A slender and winding green ravine stretched abruptly across the crimson earth, like an inexplicable scar penetrating deep into the ground.

On the way, the seemingly destructive molten fire continuously spewed and invaded the green ravine.

However, in the moment of getting close, everything instantly changed from red to green.

The molten fire transformed into a cyan airflow, soaring high into the sky.

"Be careful. There might be a bit of turbulence coming up."

When the Dust Crossing Boat rushed into the Spirit Transformation Ravine, Huangfu Song's "friendly" reminder suddenly sounded in Li Fan's ears.

Before his words fell, the flying Dust Crossing Boat instantly lost its power and even the inertia of forward movement disappeared.

It descended directly to the bottom of the deep ravine.

Li Fan also felt the powerful force in the Spirit Transformation Ravine, a force that suppressed all spiritual energy, making him instantly as weak as an ordinary person.

Plummeting rapidly, it felt like his heart was lifted.

Inside the Dust Crossing Boat, there were faint cries coming from everywhere.

Just when Li Fan thought the boat was about to be destroyed, a powerful airflow gushed inexplicably from the bottom of the Spirit Transformation Ravine, meeting the falling Dust Crossing Boat head-on.

As if swept by a strong wind, the boat violently shook, and its speed gradually slowed down.

When the airflow disappeared, the Dust Crossing Boat barely stabilized.

"Come out, everyone."

Following Huangfu Song's command, everyone walked out of the cabin and onto the deck.

"Hahaha, Brother Huangfu, it's been a while!"

A hearty laughter suddenly echoed, and soon, a shirtless, slender man jumped from below, landing directly on the Dust Crossing Boat.

With a loud bang, the commotion was intense.

The entire boat swayed slightly.

"Dongfang, it's been a long time!" Huangfu Song's chubby face instantly lit up with a smile. He warmly approached Dongfang and gave him a hug.

"It's been twenty-three years since we parted ways in the Thousand Pages Forest. Dongfang, your style is still as impressive as ever, not diminished at all!" After they let go, Huangfu Song sized up Dongfang and praised.

Comparing their cultivation levels, Huangfu Song was impressed and commented, "Not as good as you, Brother Huangfu, your progress in cultivation makes me envious!" Dongfang patted Huangfu Song's large belly without any reservation and laughed.

Huangfu Song didn't show any annoyance, saying, "Mutual admiration!"

During their greetings, Li Fan observed this cultivator named Dongfang.

Li Fan didn't sense any fluctuations of spiritual energy from him. When Dongfang jumped from the deep ravine to the Dust Crossing Boat, it seemed to rely solely on his physical body.

Although he looked relatively thin, the distinct lines of his muscles revealed explosive strength.

This was the first time Li Fan had encountered someone with such a robust physical body.

"Brother Huangfu, rest here for a few days. The grand array here will be completed in at most half a month." Dongfang said to Huangfu Song.

After he spoke, he suddenly made a strange call from his throat.

Li Fan squinted his eyes, feeling that the sound was somewhat familiar.

Suddenly, the "ground" beneath his feet, where the Dust Crossing Boat was located, began to shake.

Distant and clear calls echoed from the ground.

Afterward, this piece of land began to move, flying downward into the depths of the Spirit Transformation Ravine.

"What is this..."

"Boundary Splitting Whale?"

Li Fan was slightly stunned.

Amidst the exclamations of the people on the boat, he finally saw it clearly. The foundation carrying the Dust Crossing Boat wasn't a piece of land but a massive black exotic beast.

Looking at its appearance, it was extremely similar to the Boundary Splitting Whale that Li Fan had seen before, sealing off the mortal world.

"The airflow that just prevented the Dust Crossing Boat from falling seems to have come from this exotic whale."

During the giant beast's continuous descent, Li Fan observed carefully, deep in thought.

"It's not a Boundary Splitting Whale; it's much smaller. It just looks somewhat similar." 

The Spirit Transformation Ravine seemed bottomless, and as the giant beast continued to dive for a long time, it still hadn't reached the bottom. On the cliffs on both sides, many exposed green stones could be seen.

Some cultivators, wearing unique clothing, floated in mid-air.

They held hammers and nails made of an unknown material, mining the Spirit Transformation Stone.

Occasionally, Formation Masters wearing the standard clothing of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance hurriedly passed by the giant beast.

They seemed unaffected by the Spirit Transformation Stone, still able to use their internal spiritual power.

After all, the Spirit Transformation Ravine was not a true bottomless abyss.

After about half a day, with the giant beast emitting a joyful roar, everyone finally reached the bottom of the Spirit Transformation Ravine.

A long river of green traversed the deep ravine.

(End of this chapter)